What a Duke Wants by Lavinia Kent Read Free Book Online Page A

barrister’s clerk?”
    “You’re still avoiding my question. Why don’t you just tell her who you really are?”
    “I haven’t said there’s a her and even if I had, what makes you think I am hiding anything?”
    “The her is tall, but slight, and has red-gold hair. You should stick to the shadows more if you don’t want to be seen. And you haven’t told her who you are because you’re taking off your coat instead of adding another ring. If she knew you were the duke you’d be putting on the finery, not taking it off.”
    Mark gave up the battle of the coat and sank into a chair—as well as he could sink with his cravat still tied tight and the blasted coat stuck halfway down one arm. “You always did see too much. I would dismiss you if I weren’t afraid I was going to be begging you to rescue me from my coat within minutes.”
    “You could call for Divers. It is his job.”
    “Then he’d want to know why I wanted it off—even if he’d never actually ask. He’d bring up marriage, as well. I swear the man thinks marriageable virgins are just waiting to throw themselves at me if only I wear the right coat.” Mark shot Douglas a piercing glance. “And he’d probably have me dressed in something even worse before I knew what was happening. I swear that man wants to starch and iron my nightshirts.”
    “That calls for some comment on stiffness, but I’ll pass until you answer my question.”
    “Get this coat off me and I’ll answer you anything,” Mark answered.
    Douglas moved behind him and with a few quick yanks the coat was gone.
    Mark dropped his head and stared at the floor. “I don’t really know. I certainly didn’t plan to hide who I am, but she didn’t realize and then it would have embarrassed her to find out—and then—”
    “You like having somebody who treats you like you used to be—”
    “Yes. Even you act differently now—at least some of the time. Owning half of England wasn’t supposed to be so bloody unpleasant.”
    “Don’t know why you thought that. Ownership is always a burden. It’s why I am happy the way I am with only myself to care for.”
    Mark had always rather thought that Douglas also cared for him, but he made no comment. “You are right, I am afraid.” He nodded at the pile of correspondence. “I suppose I am going to have to deal with all of that.”
    “I would reckon only about half of it will need replying to and of that Mr. Downs will take care of most and only ask for your signature—but . . .”
    Mark rubbed his temple. He knew that but all too well. He waited.
    “But I rather think you should ask him about the leases on the properties in Wales. There is something not quite right.”
    And of course Douglas would be correct. Douglas was always right when it came to those little but s.
    It would be one more headache that the duke would have to deal with—if he wanted to be a good duke. And he did.
    He stood and walked to the mirror, mussing his hair as he went. He stared at himself and yanked his cravat free.
    “So are you off to see her?” Douglas asked as he went to sift through the papers again.
    “I am simply planning on a walk.”
    “If you say so—Your Grace.” Douglas let the last words linger in the air.

Chapter 5
    “I saw the duke today.” Isabella watched as Mr. Smythe’s shoulders straightened at her words. She’d come out as soon as she’d spied him from the window. She might have known him little more than a day, but already he seemed a friend. Luckily Joey was finally asleep again and one of the maids was happy to watch him for a few minutes.
    “You did?” He did not turn and look at her as he spoke.
    “Yes, he looks a bit like you. Oh, don’t get me wrong. You are completely different. He walks like he can’t bend his head to see his feet. Granted, given the cravat he was wearing it’s no wonder.”
    Mr. Smythe still didn’t turn toward her. “Where did you see him?”
    “Out the garret window. Maybe I